Eala succumbs on Wimbledon Centre Court but takes another step forward
It was a big day for Alexandra Eala of the Philippines on Tuesday as she made her Wimbledon debut and went in search of a maiden Grand Slam match-win against defending women's singles champion Barbora Krejcikova on Centre Court.
It was not to be Eala's day although she did storm into a one-set lead before Krejcikova fought back and showed the grit and determination which fired her to a second Grand Slam singles title 12 months ago. In the end Eala, who sported a flower in her hair as a symbol of national pride, succumbed 6-3 2-6 1-6.
“The first impression of Centre Court was amazing, just to be there and to have that experience was an amazing feeling,” said Eala. “In the end, I’m just super happy to have had that as my Wimbledon debut.
“The flower in my hair was so special for me. To have something out there on court that reminds me of where I come from – my country and my culture – was special because I feel what makes me special is where I come from.
“The flower is the national flower of the Philippines. It's called the sampaguita. The whole idea behind it is you reap what you sow. I wanted a piece of home with me on such an iconic court.
“For everyone who was there cheering for me, from wherever in the world, thank you so much for all your support. It means the world to me to have people pushing me to do more and having my back when things get tough.”
We speak a lot about Eala at the ITF but Tuesday was special and the latest step in a career which began long ago. In what seems the blink of an eye, Eala has gone from competing for her nation at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals aged 14 to Centre Court at Wimbledon.
The former junior world No. 2 won the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022 before winning five ITF World Tennis Tour titles and then making her mark on the WTA Tour, reaching her first Tour-level final at Eastbourne at the weekend.
To assist her ongoing development, Eala is also a four-time recipient of funding through the Grand Slam Player Development Programme. In addition, the 20-year-old was a member of the ITF-operated Grand Slam Player Development Programme Touring Team.
It was a privilege to spend time with Eala while filming Day in the Life: Alex Eala in 2023 as we really got to know the person behind the player. Why not have a watch?